Windlord
THE WINDLORD is named after a king in the Tolkien Trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. This king of eagles is named in Elvish "Gwaiher" and translates as "Windlord" in English. I tell you this because some of the design criteria (aspect ratio, tip shape, and size) are those of the largest measured eagles. The Windlord has a wing span of 100 in, wing area of 1400 sq. in., and an aspect ratio of 7 to 1. I have built four Windlords weighing between 50-70 oz., with wing loading of 5 to 7 oz./sq.ft. Control is by rudder-elevator, which responds in a conventional manner, along with provisions for optional lift and drag flaps on the underside of the wing. If the ship is kept under 70 oz. unballasted, performance is comparable to most Standard Class ships being flown in competition.
Merlyn
This unlimited class RC Sailplane took its designer to LSF Level V and to the winners' circle in many important competitions. The author discusses the theoretical basis for the design and covers the critical construction points. Build it light for thermalling, or more sturdily for cross-country tasks; either way, it's a real performer.
